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ADDRESS 



DELIVERED IN THE CHAPEL OF 



JEFFERSON COLLEGE, 



CANONSBURGH, PA., 



ON THE FOURTH OF JULY, 1889, 



Bl^ m. BROTVIV, D. D., PRE8ID£]\T. 



PUBLISHED BY REQUEST, 



Pittsburgh: 

printed by alexander jaynes, third street: 

1839. 



E 






Jefferson College, July 5, 1839 
Rev. Dr. Brown, 

Dear Sir, — At a meeting of tlie Senior Class, held this naorning, the under- 
signed were appointed a Committee to solicit for publication a copy of yousr 
very excellent Address, delivered yesterday, before a large and highly inte- 
rested audience. 

Respectfully yours, 

F. W. SARGENT,^ Committee 

.TORN LLOYD, > of 

J. C. KUNKEL, ) Senior Class. 



Jefferson College, July 6, 1839. 
Gentlemen, — The Address, a copy of which you request, was hastily pre- 
pared, as you know, and on a trite subject, on which little originality can be 
expected. I do not, however, feel at liberty to refuse the request of a much 
respected class, soon to separate, hoping, that whilst it may be hereafter the 
occasion of pleasant recollections, the important principles discussed may not 
be improfitable. 

Respectfully yours, 

M. BROWN. 

To Messrs. F. W. Sargent, John Lloyd, J. C. Kunkel, 
Committee of Senior Class. 



ADDRESS. 



In every age and in every country it has been 
customary to commemorate important events, and to 
celebrate illustrious actions by the observance of anni- 
versaries. Usages of this kind, so reasonable in them- 
selves and agreeable to the sentiments and feelings of 
mankind, have been sanctioned by divine authority. 
The deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bon- 
dage was, by the divine command, to be commemo- 
rated by an annual festival called the Passover — a 
frugal repast, accompanied with solemn religious rites. 

The return of that day on each revolving year, to 
be observed by the whole nation, would naturally re- 
mind them of their former servitude and distresses, 
and their marvellous deliverances. On that day they 
would revert to the origin of their nation, and the most 
important events in their history. They would recount 
with patriotic glee the names and achievements of the 
most distinguished of their ancestors. Fathers would 
tell to their children the affecting incidents in the lives 
of the patriarchs. They would tell of Joseph, and of 
Moses, and Caleb, and Joshua, and other heroes and 
benefactors. They would especially remember the 
day of their deliverance with hearts of gratitude to 
Him who, by a "strong hand and outstretched arm," 



rescued them from their oppressors, and advanced 
them to an elevated rank among the nations. Such 
an observance would at the same time cherish the 
flame of patriotism and of piety; love to their country 
and gratitude to their God. 

In some such manner ought the anniversary of our 
National Independence to be celebrated. The return 
of this day should call forth such grateful recollections 
and instructive reflections as the occasion is calculated 
to excite. It is to be regretted that such a day should 
be to many only the occasion of disorder, profanity, 
and vulgar indulgences. And surely the patriotism of 
that man is of httle value which displays itself only 
in gratifying the animal appetites, in eating and drink- 
ing to excess — a patriotism which evaporates and 
passes off" with the sohds and fluids on which it has 
operated. 

If time permitted, it would be interesting to review 
the history of our fathers from the first settlement of 
our country — their toils and dangers, their privations 
and conflicts ; and to recount their patience under suf- 
ferings — their labors and perseverance in surmounting 
unparalleled obstacles — and their heroism in war with 
numerous and powerful enemies in different stages of 
their history. 

A large proportion of the colonists sought in this 
country, then a wilderness, an asylum from oppression, 
where they might enjoy undisturbed their civil and 
religious liberties. Unlike other nations that have 
gradually emerged from barbarism to civilization and 
refinement, this nation was highly civilized from its 
origin. The pilgrim fathers brotight with them to 
these shores all the elements of an enlightened, refined 



and virtuous people. Among the early colonists were 
to be found some of the choicest men of the age, dis- 
tinguished for talent, for learning and piety. They 
brought with them the literature, the sciences and the 
arts of the old world. They were picked men, men 
of choice spirits, prompted by the noblest motives, the 
love of liberty and the love of God. Their first act 
on landing was an act of renewed consecration to the 
Ahiiighty. They brought with them their religious 
instructors, their Sabbaths and religious institutions, 
their libraries and their instructors in science. Their 
first public edifices were temples dedicated to God 
and to literature. Their first legislation was directed 
to the promotion of religion, the education of youth, 
the preservation of civil liberty and the rights of con- 
science — for which they had here sought an asylum 
at the peril of their lives. 

The result was such as might be expected from 
such an origin. Their sufferings were great from 
famine, disease and war. Their industry and enter- 
prise surmount every obstacle. Their valor triumphs 
over savage foes, the most formidable on earth. Un- 
der the protecting care of Heaven they are preserved. 
The wilderness soon becomes a fruitful field; "towns 
and cities rise to cheer the desert." They increase in 
numbers, resources and wealth. They attract the 
attention and excite the envy and contention of Euro- 
pean nations. 

Attached to the mother country by consanguinity, 
language and religion, they were among the most 
loyal subjects of Britain. Under her banner they 
fought, and endured for nearly half a century the 
perils and privations of a war with France, and the 



native savages, armed and instigated by them against 
the colonies. 

The history of those limes is a history of cruelty 
and blood. Danger encircled every dwelling, and 
death lurked in every path. Neither age nor sex of- 
fered the least protection. "The laborer was mur- 
dered in the field — the slumberer was massacred on 
his pillow — and the worshipper was slain at the altar." 
In this tedious and bloody war, England is victorious, 
France is humbled, and her American possessions 
rescued from her grasp; but it is at the expense of 
American treasure and blood. 

Scarcely had these scenes closed when new troubles 
arise, and from an unexpected source. Great Britain, 
under whose banner we had fought and conquered, 
adopts a policy towards her colonies to which a people 
jealous of their hberties cannot submit. Principles are 
assumed which awakened the suspicions and alarmed 
the fears of the inhabitants of the States. The claims 
of Britain were alleged by the colonies to be a direct 
violation of their chartered rights, in violation of the 
rights of British subjects, and in violation of the essen- 
tial principles of justice and that liberty on account of 
which they had left their native land, and sought a 
residence on these shores. 

The immediate question at issue was, the right of 
parliament to tax the people of the colonies in another 
hemisphere, not represented in the British legislature. 
The contest began by litigation on the celebrated 
stamp act and the tax on tea. But it was not the 
value of a petty stamp on paper, nor the paltry value 
of three pence a pound on tea, that was regarded. It 
was the risht^ it was the principle^ viewed in its 



consequences by a people intelligent, far-sighted, and 
jealous of their liberties. 

In tracing the origin and causes of the revolution, 
and the consequent establishment of our free institu- 
tions, we must go far back beyond the immediate 
cause and occasion. 

As the natural sun does not suddenly rise on the 
world, but is preceded by a dawn gradually increasing 
from the first feeble ray which shoots athwart the 
darkness — so it was with the sun of liberty which has 
arisen in this Western hemisphere with so much splen- 
dor and glory. It may be traced to the revival of let- 
ters in Europe — to the invention of printing — and es- 
pecially to that glorious reformation by Luther and 
others, which awoke the nations of Europe from the 
slumber of ages, and shook to their foundations the 
thrones of despots. 

For more than a thousand years Europe had been 
chained in mental and civil bondage. The unholy 
alliance of civil and ecclesiastical power held the na- 
tions in the most abject ignorance and despotism. It 
was truly a darh age. The sacred fire was not, it is 
true, at any time entirely extinguished. Cherished as 
it was by some gallant spirits in the Alpine vallies, it 
kept up a dim but steady light in the midst of sur- 
rounding darkness. It gleamed forth for a season in 
the days of Huss and Jerome of Prague ; and blazed 
out resplendent at the reformation by Luther. It shot 
its rays through every kingdom of Europe. It has 
melted the chains of ecclesiastical despotism wherever 
it has prevailed. It has modified and restrained civil 
and political tyranny in all the monarchies of Europe ; 
and to this may be traced the origin of our own free 



8 

institutions, and any portion of true republicanism on 
earth. A precious admission has been extorted from 
Mr. Hume, an infidel historian, and on this point an 
impartial witness, — that to the Puritans Britain is in- 
debted for all that portion of republican liberty which 
is blended with her monarchy; and that to them the 
world is indebted for any true liberty to be found in it. 

The descendants of these Puritans, more than two 
hundred years ago, with minds deeply imbued with 
piety and with the principles of liberty, well instructed 
in the rights of man, came to this land; and to them 
chiefly, under God, we may trace the origin of our in- 
dependence as a nation, and those republican institu- 
tions which are the admiration of the world. 

But to return to the i?nmediate cause and occasion 
of the revolution. As observed already, it was the 
question of right to tax Americans without representa- 
tion and without their consent. The controversy was 
carried on for ten years before the final issue. It was 
carried on by petition, remonstrance, and universal 
discussion. Neither party anticipated a dissolution of 
the tie of allegiance. The colonists were loyal to a 
proverb. They were devotedly attached to Britain 
and her monarch. The Protestant succession was 
their idol. Their petitions and remonstrances were 
disregarded. The monarch unhappily yielded to in- 
fatuated counsellors, contrary to the protestations of 
the best men in Britain. The contest was not to be 
decided but by an appeal to arms. As protection 
was denied, the States were constrained to renounce 
their allegiance, and to assume their station among the 
independent nations of the earth. 

The discussion of ten years had opened to the con- 



9 

templation of men the first foundations of civil liberty 
and government. "The fountains of the great deep 
were broken up ; all the legitimate sources of power, 
and all the primitive elements of freedom, were scruti- 
nized, analyzed, debated and elucidated:" and with a 
deliberation and solemnity unexampled in the history 
of the world, the people of these United States, by 
their representatives in Congress, on the 4th of July, 
1776^ — "appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world 
for the rectitude of their intentions" — and "with a firm 
reliance on the protection of Divine Providence," — 
adopted and subscribed the ever memorable Declara- 
tion of Independence. 

After the Declaration of Independence, the issue of 
the contest was necessarily changed. Heretofore the 
colonies had maintained the contest on the principle of 
resisting the invasion of chartered rights ; but now the 
Declaration of Independence, claiming the right of 
sovereignty^ based itself on the first foundations of the 
law of nature, and the incontestible doctrine of human 
rights. "Liberty — not only their own liberty, but the 
fundamental principles of liberty to the whole race of 
civilized man, was involved in the contest." 

We cannot here enter upon details in the history of 
the seven years' war, from the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence until its estabhshment in the peace of 1783. 

We will just advert to some particulars, especially 
as indicating the interpositions of Providence in our 
behalf While we cheerfully render to the heroes and 
statesmen of the revolution their appropriate honors, 
we should ever remember how much more is due to 
that Great Being to whose superintending guidance 
and protection they had committed themselves and 
2 



10 

the nation. How discouraging was tlie aspect of af- 
fairs at the commencement of the unequal contest! 
Think of the exposed situation of our country^ with an 
extensive boundary, vulnerable at so many points; — 
without resources, without money, without ammunition 
and arms — to contend with an enemy numerous and 
powerful in resources, skilled in military discipline, 
and led on by experienced commanders. Think also 
of the difficulty of uniting in concert so many different 
States, widely scattered over an extensive territory, 
with diversities of interests, prejudices and habits. Yet 
we find one spirit seems to pervade the whole: har- 
mony prevails in all the public councils: colonial dis- 
tinctions seem to be forgotten in the common cause: 
sectional feelings, jealousies and interests, are all sac- 
rificed on the common altar of liberty. 

The first shout of resistance from Lexington and 
Bunker Hill was re-echoed from every part of the land. 
The sufferings of the North, where the war began, 
awakened universal sympathy in the South. The shut- 
ting of Boston port, designed by the enemy not only to 
chastise the Bostonians, but by diverting commerce to 
awaken rival interests in other cities and states, entirely 
failed in the object. Their sufferings were responded 
to by expressions of sympathy — by voluntary contribu- 
tions for their relief — by solemn acts of protestation in 
public councils; — and to the immortal honor of Vir- 
ginia, who took the lead in the South as Massachusetts 
did in the North, her Legislature, on that occasion, 
issued a proclamation for a solemn fast and day of hu- 
miliation and prayer. 

It is also worthy of notice, that we were preserved 
from anarchy and confusion when in a state of transi- 



11 

tion from the dissolution of the old governments until 
the new ones were organized in their stead. Provin- 
cial conventions were held — city and county commit- 
tees were every where chosen — and such was the pa- 
triotic zeal of the people, that the decisions and recom- 
mendations of these committees had the force of law, 
and were as cheerfully obeyed as the authority of regu- 
lar government. 

Another particular deserving our attention is, the 
evident interposition of Providence in bringing deliver- 
ance at particular crises in our affairs, when prospects 
were most gloomy, and hope ready to expire. 

This was remarkably the case in the victory at 
Trenton and Princeton, near the close of 1776. — 
Gloomy indeed were the prospects of the American 
cause. The British commander, at the head of a nu- 
merous and well disciplined army, flushed with victory, 
was marching over the country without opposition. — 
The American army, greatly reduced in numbers, des- 
titute of necessary accommodations, almost naked, and 
barefooted, were obliged to retreat before a superior 
force in the dead of winter, when their march was lite- 
rally tracked with blood from their shoeless feet. At 
such a time, any other soldiers but Americans — any 
other general but Washington — would have despaired 
of the Republic. At this crisis the God of battles, in 
whom they trusted, interposed in their behalf Con- 
gress recommended to each of the States "a day of 
solemn fasting and humiliation before God." Imme- 
diately after^ on the 25th of December, the capture of 
the Hessians at Trenton, and the subsequent victory at 
Princeton, changed the aspect of affairs, — revived the 
drooping spirits of the army and the American people. 



12 

Other instances might be noticed — such as the victory 
over Burgoyne, after the losses at Brandyvvine and 
Germantown, when the British took possession of Phil- 
adelphia. The alliance with France, also, took place 
at a time when most needed — when, from the depre- 
ciation of Congress money, pecuniary supplies had 
almost entirely failed. 

We may further notice the dangers, privations, self- 
denial and sufferings, which were cheerfully endured 
by every class of the community. It is not in the 
"tented field," when the most timid may be roused by 
the trumpet of war, and the din of batde, to rush on 
danger and death, that the greatest courage is dis- 
played. It is when men coolly, deliberately, and per- 
severingly expose themselves to danger, and patiently 
endure privations and distresses. 

When the Patriots of '76 pledged their "lives, their 
fortunes, and their sacred honor," it was not a sudden 
impulse; it was a most deliberate act. When they 
pledged their «//, they knew the certain forfeiture in 
case of defeat, and deliberately "counted the cost." — 
Hancock, whose manly signature heads the list of these 
heroes, knew well that by this act he jeopardized his 
life and his princely fortune; and thousands through- 
out the country followed his example. Rich and poor 
alike shared the common danger. The officers and 
soldiers of the regular army often experienced the 
greatest privations without a murmur. The husband- 
man, at the call of his country, leaves his plough, and 
exchanges the peaceful employments of his farm for 
the hazards and sufferings of the camp. The wealthy 
forego the luxuries of British exportation, to resist un- 
just taxation, and to encourage domestic manufactures. 



13 

And it would be unjust to the daughters of America 
to deny to them a full share of the honors of patriotic 
zeal. Cheerfully did they forego the luxuries of the 
table, and the ornaments of dress, at the call of patriot- 
ism. The tea plant, the occasion and memento of the 
contest, at that time a general and favorite beverage, 
was abandoned, and herbs from the garden or the 
mountain-side substituted in its stead. Silks and bro- 
cades were laid aside; and they were not ashamed to 
appear in the proudest circles in the fabrics of their 
own hands. Their husbands, too, proudly appeared in 
the halls of legislation clad in homespun. The sol- 
diers, also, were often furnished with the needed gar- 
ments by their hands. 

The beautiful description of the virtuous woman, as 
given by the inspired king, was never more appropri- 
ate: "She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh wil- 
lingly with her hands. She layeth her hands to the 
spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth 
out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her 
hands to the needy. Many daughters have done vir- 
tuously, but thou excellest them all." 

Viewing the heroes and statesmen of the revolution 
at this distance, and associated as their names are with 
events and enterprises so interesting and sublime, we 
may be partial in our estimates of their character. We 
cannot, however, but believe that they were extraordi- 
nary men, raised up by Providence for an extraordi- 
nary occasion. 

Here it would be pleasant, if time permitted, to re- 
count the names and achievements of Warren and 
Montgomery, the first martyrs in the sacred cause. Of 
Allen, with his Green Mountain boys ; and Clinton, and 



14 

Gates, and Green, (second only to Wasliington) — and 
Putnam — '■'niagniB anim^E pi'odigus,^^ — and Sullivan, 
and the Lees and Laurens, Mercer and Hayne, Mari- 
on and Moultrie, Morgan and Wayne — the "thunder- 
bolts of war*' — with many others of glorious memory. 
Of statesmen and counsellors what a splendid cat- 
alogue! There are Adams and Hancock, nobly dis- 
tinguished by proscription as excepted from the gene- 
ral amnesty. There they are! — with the noble band 
who signed the Declaration of Independence. But we 
cannot specify. Would that I could place before you 
Trumbull's immortal painting. A picture of so much 
moral grandeur should be procured by Congress and 
hung up in every literary hall throughout the land. 

Though the subject has been so often hackneyed, 
we must not omit that special Providence which raised 
up a man so eminently qualified to be the Commander- 
in-chief; — a man not so much distinguished by pre- 
eminence in any one great qualification, as by a happy 
assemblage of all. To be a brave and skilful com- 
mander was common to him with many others. But 
the times required a man of strong, penetrating mind; 
a man of prudence, fortitude and perseverance ; a man 
capable of engaging the affections and confidence of 
all classes; a Fabius Maximus, patient in adversity, 
humble in prosperity, — capable of bearing with the 
murmurings of the ignorant or the designing, — and in 
the darkest times never despairing of the Republic. 
Such were the qualifications of the man who should 
lead the armies of America ; and such she found in 
Washington! In answer to a unanimous call, he ac- 
cepted the important trust; and the event showed it 
was approved of Heaven. 



15 

I may also notice that the novelty and sublimity of 
the enterprise awakened attention and sympathy in the 
nations of Europe. A number of distinguished for- 
eigners, from France, Germany and Poland, took part 
in the contest, and furnished us with officers of rank 
and experience. Among these may be mentioned 
Pulaski, Kosciusko, De Kalb, Steuben, and above all, 
Gilbert Motier de Lafayette. 

The name and history of this remarkable man is 
closely connected with the history of the Revolution — 
as it is with the history of Europe for more than half a 
century. Born of a family of the highest rank of no- 
bility — connected by marriage with another family of 
equal or superior dignity — with a princely fortune — 
with every thing which honor, wealth, and royal favor 
could promise or confer — he determines to forego all, 
and to devote his life and fortune in the cause of free- 
dom in a foreign land. Ere he had arrived at the 
years of manhood, he embarks in a ship purchased 
and furnished with military stores at his own expense; 
and on his arrival tenders to Congress his services as 
a volunteer soldier. The important services which he 
rendered as a soldier and commander are well known. 
Still more important was his influence in other respects. 
The chivalry of his conduct awakened the attention of 
Europe. His great influence and popularity no doubt 
hastened the alliance with France, at that time so im- 
portant, and brought the contest to a speedy conclusion 
in the establishment of our National Independence. 

The immediate consequence of Independence was 
the establishment of our National Institutions — the 
Federal Constitution, and the Constitutions of the sev- 
eral States. These have no parallel in the history of 




16 



miiiiiiniiii 

011 801 757 2 



the world. They were formed after the most mature 
deliberation and ample discussion, — first in conven- 
tion, — then submitted directly to the people, — then 
again discussed and adopted by them in their primary 
assemblies. 

These Constitutions embody all the great principles 
of free government — for which patriots had been con- 
tending for centuries. These secure the equal rights 
of man to every citizen. Here are no hereditary dis- 
tinctions or exclusive privileges. Here is every stim- 
ulus to industry, by securing to every man the fruits of 
his labor. Here is every inducement to cultivate the 
faculties of the mind, from the hope of elevation. — 
Here the cultivator is the proprietor of the soil. Here 
every man may walk on his own ground, till his own 
field, eat the fruit of his own labor, and rest beneath 
the shade of his own tree. 

Religious liberty, too, is here secured. In defence of 
this, many of our ancestors suffered martyrdom. In 
pursuit of this, most of the early colonists left their na- 
tive land, that here they might enjoy it undisturbed. 
The i-ights of conscience are guaranteed in every Con- 
stitution. Here no civil code binds the conscience. 
No flames or inquisition deter from the sanctuary of 
God. No assuming pontiff dictates to the faith of any 
who are unwilling to surrender their consciences to 
his keeping. And under the blessing of Heaven on 
our Institutions, the American nation has advanced in 
numbers, prosperity, enterprise, and wealth, unparal- 
lelled in the history of nations. 

Nor have these effects been confined to our own 
country. The light has reflected across the Atlantic. 
All Europe has felt its influence. The spectacle of our 



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